Film Review: Drag Me To Hell

Sam Raimi returns to his roots with this horror film chocked full of typical Raimi style. The plot is nice and simple, Christine Brown (Alison Lohman) refuses an extension on a bank loan to an old woman. The old woman doesn’t take to kindly to this and curses her with a gypsy curse. This sees Christine haunted by both visions of the old woman and a dark spirit called a Llamia. If she isn’t able to overturn the curse, the Llamia (a soul collector) will drag her to hell on the third day.

As with the Evil Dead series, we’re treated here to a comedy horror. Raimi has a black little comedy streak that finds its way into his films and Drag Me To Hell is certainly no exception. There is plenty of slime and goo and silly little B movie moments to make this film nothing like your normal Hollywood (ie. stale) horror fare. There are plenty of gross out moments and people with a weak stomach may end up gagging! There are also plenty of jumps and shock moments. As with any good horror and something most horror directors don’t get these days, it is the things in the shadows, the sound work and the camera work that make things scary. You’ll be gripping your chair arm one second and laughing the next during the film.

Casting is strong. Lohman does a very good job with her character, displaying a good range of emotions and can do a good freaked out character. She carries the bulk of the film without any problem at all. Supporting cast including Justin Long, Lorna Raver, Dileep Rao and David Paymer are also solid in their respective roles. I do love the attention to detail in Raimi’s films. As with Evil Dead, we have mythology, books created to link into it all etc.. it makes it feel much more authentic. Any film that goes that extra little mile will always work that little better. Sound editing is by far the films strongest point. A haunting score, great use of sound effects to build tension and make you jump. Directing is also strong, Raimi knows how to shoot horror, which angles to use and how to light a scene. My favourite had to be a scene in a graveyard nearing the end of the film, typical Raimi.

So, Drag Me To Hell could well be the little gem of the summer. Not one of the mentioned big boys that are hitting the screens over the past and coming few weeks, but this is a very strong film. If you like the Evil Dead films, you’ll get a kick out of this. If you like horror, go see how a master director makes a horror film. Funny, tense and scary. What more do you want!

RATING = 4.5/5